Getting rid of antique tech versus the sentimental value of some possessions

[mikeymikec]

I had a couple of boxes left in my parents' loft that due to the size of previous places I've lived in, I've never had the space to store them myself. Since buying a house and getting the loft sorted for storage, we now have the space, so I've taken those boxes back to store in our own loft.

One contains my Amiga 500, and the other my Amiga 1200. I've had the 500 since I was about 6 and it was the computer that piqued my interest in computers. I bought the 1200 as a teen second-hand and upgraded the processor and RAM (going from stock 68020 / 14MHz to 68040 / 40MHz plus FPU and 32MB RAM), then added a second-hand hard drive.

Both still work, I tested them the other day briefly. The thing is, I later regretted selling my electric guitar to a more worthy cause (someone seriously starting a band) even though I hardly ever played it.

I also can run an Amiga emulator (and copied all my stuff from the 1200's HDD some years ago) on my main PC and basically do whatever I want on my own computer as either Amiga. I'm just not sure I have any use for them any more, and I hate keeping hold of unnecessary stuff (despite buying a replacement electric guitar years later and hardly ever playing that either).

I could probably sell both Amigas and have them go to somewhere more worthwhile than the local dump. I'm just not sure if I want to or should.

 

[sdifox]

ebay them

 

[ImpulsE69]

Yea, old tech such as that is selling well these days. If you don't want it sell it.

 

[Thebobo]

Sell them while the market is there, people are going crazy for Amigas. Just take a look at Ebay.

 

[deadlyapp]

I've long since given up any sort of sentimental value for possessions. If they aren't unboxed or used between moves (I've been moving every 1-2 years) then they get sold/given away/trashed. I've been trying to minimize clutter in my life and carrying around unnecessary items just isn't worthwhile.

 

[pmv]

Had the same dilemma about my Atari ST (want to refight the 16-bit wars?). But my brother used it for his music making, then when I figured it might fetch something on ebay it turned out he'd already chucked it away. My even-more-ancient TRS80 disappeared somehow as well.

 

[snoopy7548]

If you plan to sell, I've been interested in buying a 1200 but haven't been able to find many available.

 

[dullard]

The sentimental value does NOT reside in the equipment. Instead, the sentimental value is all of your collective memories in your head. Thus, getting rid of the physical goods does not get rid of any of the sentimental value.

There are other ways to retain that sentimental value. The emulator is a great way. Also try looking at photographs of the items, play music that you were playing back then, or anything else that triggers that sentimental value. Try keeping just one aspect of that pile of things such as one disk to hang on your wall, that way you can keep being reminded rather than have it stuffed in your parents loft out of mind. Give them to someone you are close to who will use it and you can see them/hear about them. Write down your memories in a personal, meaningful way. Then you can read your stories rather than trekking over to your parent's loft to trigger your memories.

Worst case scenario, you can always buy them back later in life.

 

[Captante]

Finally sold my Sega Genesis a couple weeks ago since I'm fixing to move myself. Really tired of having tons of crap to haul around.

 

[IBMJunkman]

I am helping to stock a museum with my IBM stufff. System/360 and other CPU panels, 2311, 2314, 3330, 3340 disks, 3350, 3370, 3380, 3390 HDA, etc. 2 Pods worth of stuff.

I am keeping a few things. Some desk paper weights, 3850 cartridges, etc.

Problem is finding a shipping company. Pods is expensive.

 

[sdifox]

I am helping to stock a museum with my IBM stufff. System/360 and other CPU panels, 2311, 2314, 3330, 3340 disks, 3350, 3370, 3380, 3390 HDA, etc. 2 Pods worth of stuff.

I am keeping a few things. Some desk paper weights, 3850 cartridges, etc.

Problem is finding a shipping company. Pods is expensive.

shouldn't they pay for shipping or pick it up?

 

[IBMJunkman]

We found a trucker. It all should be delivered tomorrow.